Firearm locking system and method for preventing access to a trigger

ABSTRACT

The invention describes a firearm locking system and method for preventing access to a trigger. In particular, the firearm locking system and method of the present invention provides a trigger guard locking unit for a firearm, the trigger guard locking unit including a housing, a receiver, an electric actuator, a locking cover, and a locking device extendible from the housing to the locking cover, the locking device extending upon activation of the electric actuator.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/293,200, filed May 25, 2001, entitled “ELECTRONIC OR MANUAL OPERATED FIREARMS SAFETY LOCKING SYSTEM,” the entirety of which is herein incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention relates to a firearm locking system and method, and more particularly, to a firearm locking system for preventing access to a trigger.

[0004] 2. Discussion of the Related Art

[0005] Throughout history, firearms have been used for protection and recreation. Many private citizens, fearing crime, have chosen to arm themselves in order to provide a feeling of security. Placing firearms in the home presents a number of potential problems, including the possibility of a child gaining access to the firearm or the possibility of an intruder gaining access to the firearm and using it against the homeowner. One option is to keep the firearm unloaded. However, an unloaded firearm will be ineffective against a surprise intruder.

[0006] A number of conventional solutions have been developed that permit the firearm to be loaded and ready for use, while preventing injury to children and use of the firearm by unauthorized users. For example, key locks have been developed which restrict operation of the gun triggers. These types of locks require a key for operation. Key locks, however, are often complex and cumbersome, presenting a significant obstacle to accessing the firearm quickly when necessary, such as to protect or defend against an intruder. Moreover, tampering with such locks may lead to accidental discharge of the firearm.

[0007] Firearm storage devices, such as gun cabinets, effectively secure firearms but do so at the expense of accessibility. These devices may also be quite expensive, requiring the consumer to choose between cost and safety.

[0008] More recent systems employ a magnetically actuable safety apparatus, which interacts with a magnet ring worn by the user, resulting in the enabling or disabling of the lock. Typically, such devices are extremely sensitive to ring positioning, leading to unreliable operation. In addition, the user must be in possession of the magnetic ring in order to disable the lock.

[0009] Thus, in view of the inadequacies of conventional firearm locking devices, there is a substantial need for an economical firearm locking system that can secure a firearm without sacrificing its availability for immediate use.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Accordingly, the present invention is directed to a firearm locking system and method for preventing access to a trigger that solves the problems in conventional firearm locking systems as described above.

[0011] The invention provides a system and method allowing a user to remotely disable and enable a firearm locking mechanism. Thus, a user of the locking system and method in accordance with the invention need not be in physical possession of the firearm in order to disable and enable the locking mechanism. This allows a user to quickly disable and use the firearm when needed.

[0012] Therefore, one aspect of the invention is to provide a locking system and method for a firearm that can be remotely disabled and enabled.

[0013] Another aspect of the invention is to provide a firearm locking system and method that includes a transmitter device for sending a locking enabling and disabling signal to a self contained locking system mounted on a firearm.

[0014] In accordance with these and other aspects, the invention provides a trigger guard locking unit adaptable to a firearm trigger guard, the trigger guard locking unit including a housing for preventing access to a first side of the trigger guard; a receiver for generating a control signal upon receipt of a request signal, the receiver positioned in the housing; an electric actuator activated by the control signal received from the receiver, the electric actuator positioned in the housing; a locking cover for preventing access to a second side of the trigger guard; and a locking device extendible from the housing to the locking cover for preventing access to the trigger guard and discharge of the firearm, the locking device extending upon activation of the electric actuator.

[0015] In a further embodiment, the invention provides a method for locking a firearm by preventing access to a trigger guard, which includes positioning a housing to prevent access to a first side of the trigger guard; positioning a locking cover to prevent access to a second side of the trigger guard; generating a control signal upon receipt of a request signal; activating an electric actuator upon receipt of a control signal; and extending a locking device from the housing to the locking cover, the locking device extending upon activation of the electric actuator.

[0016] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation of the invention as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide further understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the invention. In the drawings:

[0018]FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a firearm locking system according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0019]FIGS. 2a and 2 b are general views of a firearm locking mechanism according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0020]FIG. 3 is a side view of a trigger guard locking unit according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0021]FIG. 4 is a side view of a housing for a trigger guard locking unit according to an embodiment of the invention; and

[0022]FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a position shift from unlocked to locked position of a firearm locking system according to an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0023] Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

[0024]FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of a firearm locking system in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The firearm locking system may be used on all hand and shoulder-held firearms, including shotguns, semi-automatic weapons (spring or gas operated), receivers with hand operated bolts, and fully automatic weapons.

[0025]FIG. 1 shows an electronic transmitter 100 in communication with a trigger guard locking unit 102. The trigger guard locking unit 102 includes a power source 110 coupled to an electric actuator 112 and a receiver unit 104. The electric actuator 112 and receiver unit 104 are also coupled to each other. The receiver unit 104 includes a receiver 106 and antenna 108. Each of these elements will be discussed in turn.

[0026] Turning to the electronic transmitter 100, the electronic transmitter 100 may be permanent or portable. An example of a portable electronic transmitter includes a remote controller. The electronic transmitter 100 is capable of receiving input from a user. For example, the electronic transmitter 100 may include a depressible button for sending a signal. In addition, the electronic transmitter 100 may include various security features, such as a thumb print identification system or an iris/cornea pupil identifier system, which only allow authorized users to operate the electronic transmitter 100. The electronic transmitter 100 may include used to lock and unlock the firearm. The electronic transmitter 100 may be any one of standard off the shelf components capable of transmitting radio frequency transmissions. The electronic transmitter 100 sends a signal to the trigger guard locking unit 102 in order to operate the unit 102.

[0027] The trigger guard locking unit 102 may include a housing and locking cover located on either side of the trigger guard. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the housing contains the receiver unit 104, the power source 110, and the electric actuator 112. In operation, a user initiates a request signal, which is transmitted from the electronic transmitter 100 to the receiver unit 104. Specifically, the antenna 108 of the receiver unit 104 receives the request signal sent from the electronic transmitter 100. The antenna 108 may be any one of standard off the shelf components capable of receiving radio frequency transmissions. The receiver 106, which receives the request signal, may be a signal generator. The receiver 106 may be a small receiver such as a micro-receiver. In an embodiment of the invention, the receiver 106 includes an internal security component. An example of the internal security component includes the ability of the receiver 106 to self-destruct (e.g., by burning its circuits) upon disassembly. After receiving the request signal, the receiver 106 generates a control signal that is sent to the electric actuator 112.

[0028] The electric actuator 112 may include a relay, which completes the circuit when the control signal is received. Once the circuit is completed, current is delivered to the electric actuator 112.

[0029] The power source 110 may be any AC or DC power supply, such as dry cell batteries providing DC current. The power source 110 provides power to both the receiver unit 106 and the electric actuator 112.

[0030] The electric actuator 112 may be one of a variety of actuators, such as a solenoid or, alternatively, a motor. The electric actuator 112 may be configured to include a locking device. Type of locking mechanisms in accordance with the invention include plunger type and pin devices, which are described in greater detail below. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, the electric actuator 112 may be a solenoid held in position by at least one permanent magnet. The solenoid may be capable of moving the locking device (e.g. plunger or pin) into a locked or unlocked position upon activation. For example, if the firearm locking system in accordance with the invention is in an unlocked position, activation of the electric actuator 112 may extend the locking device from a housing of the trigger guard locking unit 102 into a locking cover of the trigger guard locking unit 102, thereby preventing access to the trigger guard from either direction. Thus, the trigger cannot be accessed and the firearm is safe. Alternatively, if the firearm locking system in accordance with the present invention is in a locked position, and the locking device is therefore extended into the locking cover of the trigger guard locking unit 102, activation of the electric actuator 112 retracts the locking device out of the locking cover and back into the housing of the trigger guard locking unit 102, separating the locking cover from the housing, thereby permitting access to the trigger. This unlocks the firearm and allows it to be operated.

[0031] Operation of the trigger guard locking unit 102 may also be initiated by systems, such as a key system or button system, which may be located on the outside of the housing. In the key system embodiment, the turning of a key may activate the electric actuator 112. In the button system embodiment, the pressing of buttons, e.g., in a particular sequence, may activate the electric actuator 112.

[0032]FIG. 2a is a general view of the trigger guard locking unit 102 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The trigger guard locking unit 102 includes the electric actuator 112. The electric actuator 112 includes a plunger 202 that is capable of extending from the housing into the locking cover of trigger guard locking unit, thus preventing access to the trigger and operation of the firearm.

[0033] In FIG. 2a, the electric actuator has source connector openings disposed along its outer wall surface. A power source 204 abuts one end of the electric actuator 112. In accordance with the present invention, a power storage rack 206 may be connected to the electric actuator 112 by mating power source connector pins 208, preferably four pins, into power source connector openings 210 disposed on the outer wall surface of the electric actuator 112. In an alternate embodiment, the power storage rack 206 may be connected to the electric actuator 112 by solder joints. The attachment of the power storage rack 206 to the electric actuator 112 forms a seal over the power source 204. The antenna 108 is also mounted on the power storage rack 206. The plunger locking device 202 is contained within the electric actuator 112.

[0034]FIG. 2b shows a general view of the trigger guard locking unit 102 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Like FIG. 2a, FIG. 2b shows the electric actuator 112 having a plunger 202. FIG. 2b also shows receiver connector openings 212 disposed on the outer wall surface of the electric actuator 112. A receiver 214 having receiver connecting pins 216 is coupled to the electric actuator 112 by mating the receiver connecting pins 216 into the receiver connector openings 212. In an alternate embodiment, the receiver 214 may be connected to the electric actuator 112 by solder joints. FIG. 2b also shows an antenna 108 mounted on the end of, and connected to, the electric actuator 112.

[0035] Thus, in operation, a request signal is transmitted from the electronic transmitter 100 to the antenna 108. The receiver 214 receives the transmitted signal and generates a control signal that completes a circuit engaging the electric actuator 112. The electric actuator 112 then engages the plunger 202, moving the plunger.

[0036]FIG. 3 shows a side view of the trigger guard locking unit 102 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. FIG. 3 shows the housing 302 of the trigger guard locking unit 102. In an embodiment of the invention, the housing 302 has a front, rear, top, and bottom and encloses the trigger guard locking unit 102. In FIG. 3, the housing 302 contains the electric actuator 112, which has the receiver 104, power source 110, and antenna 108 mounted upon its surface. The housing 302 may be made of metal or composite in any shape or form, preferably a rectangle. The housing 302 may be made of a torch-resistant metal or composite. In an embodiment, the housing 302 includes an outer trigger guard dowell 310 for stabilizing the trigger of the firearm when the trigger guard locking unit 102 is engaged. In an embodiment, the electric actuator 112, receiver 104, power source 110 and antenna 108 are positioned in a space 304 of the housing 302. The electric actuator 112 includes an electric actuator plunger opening 306, and a plunger 202 capable of linear movement through the opening 306. FIG. 3 shows a space 308 for an inner trigger guard locking dowell located on the locking cover, which is discussed below with regard to FIG. 4.

[0037] When the trigger guard locking unit 102 is engaged, the plunger 202 moves in a direction away from the front of the housing 302, through the electric actuator plunger opening 306, to the space 308 for an inner trigger guard locking dowell. Thus, the plunger 202 has moved linearly in a direction away from the body of the electric actuator 112. This operation is discussed further with regard to FIG. 4.

[0038]FIG. 4 shows a side view of the trigger guard locking unit 102. Specifically, FIG. 4 illustrates the locking cover 402. In an embodiment of the present invention, the locking cover 402 has a front, bottom, and side so as to completely cover the housing 302. The locking cover 402 may be made of the same metal or composite as the housing 302. The locking cover 402 includes an inner trigger guard locking dowell 404 and a locking cavity 406. Continuing from FIG. 3, upon activation of the electric actuator 112, the plunger 202 moves in a direction from the front to the rear of the housing 302, extending through the space 308 for the inner trigger guard locking dowell and into the locking cavity 406 of the inner trigger guard locking dowell 404. The inner trigger guard locking dowell 404 may be located to the rear of the plunger opening 306. In the extended position, the plunger 202 locks the locking cover 402 to the housing 302, thereby preventing access to the trigger of the firearm.

[0039]FIG. 5 shows the firearm locking system in accordance with an embodiment of the invention where the plunger 202 is in an unlocked position allowing operation of the firearm. In FIG. 5, the plunger 202 is retracted and positioned in the housing 302. In this position, the plunger 202 is removed from the space 308 for the inner trigger guard locking dowell, and the locking cover 402 (i.e., the locking cavity 406 of the inner trigger guard locking dowell 404). Thus, the plunger 202 allows the housing 302 and the locking cover 402 to separate in a very quick and smooth fashion, providing immediate access to the trigger of the firearm.

[0040] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the firearm locking system of the present invention without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention.

[0041] Thus, it is intended that the present invention cover the modifications and variations of this invention provided that they come within the scope of any claims and their equivalents. 

We claim:
 1. A trigger guard locking unit adaptable to a firearm trigger guard, comprising: a housing for preventing access to a first side of the trigger guard; a receiver for generating a control signal upon receipt of a request signal, the receiver positioned in the housing; an electric actuator activated by the control signal received from the receiver, the electric actuator positioned in the housing; a locking cover for preventing access to a second side of the trigger guard; and a locking device extendible from the housing to the locking cover for preventing access to the trigger guard and discharge of the firearm, the locking device extending upon activation of the electric actuator.
 2. The trigger guard locking unit according to claim 1, further including a power source.
 3. The trigger guard locking unit according to claim 1, wherein the receiver includes an antenna.
 4. The trigger guard locking unit according to claim 1, wherein the receiver includes an internal security component.
 5. The trigger guard locking unit according to claim 1, wherein the receiver receives the request signal from an electronic transmitter.
 6. The trigger guard locking unit according to claim 1, wherein the electric actuator includes a solenoid.
 7. The trigger guard locking unit according to claim 1, wherein the locking device includes a plunger.
 8. The trigger guard locking unit according to claim 1, wherein the locking device extends into a trigger guard locking dowell.
 9. The trigger guard locking unit according to claim 8, wherein the locking device retracts from the locking cover to the housing upon deactivation of the electric actuator.
 10. The trigger guard locking unit according to claim 4, wherein the electronic transmitter includes a depressible button.
 11. The trigger guard locking unit according to claim 4, wherein the electronic transmitter includes a thumb print identification system.
 12. The trigger guard locking unit according to claim 4, wherein the electronic transmitter includes an iris/cornea pupil identification system.
 13. A method for locking a firearm by preventing access to a trigger guard, comprising: positioning a housing to prevent access to a first side of the trigger guard; positioning a locking cover to prevent access to a second side of the trigger guard; generating a control signal upon receipt of a request signal; activating an electric actuator upon receipt of the control signal; and extending a locking device from the housing to the locking cover, the locking device extending upon activation of the electric actuator.
 14. The method according to claim 13, wherein the control signal may be generated by a receiver.
 15. The method according to claim 13, wherein the request signal may be generated by an electronic transmitter.
 16. The method according to claim 13, wherein the electric actuator includes a solenoid.
 17. The method according to claim 13, wherein the locking device extends into a trigger guard locking dowell.
 18. The method according to claim 13, wherein the locking device retracts from the locking cover to the housing upon deactivation of the electric actuator. 